System fundamentals

System Fundamentals

This is pretty straight forward stuff. Nothing especially technical. We are concerned with the big picture related how systems integrate into organisations and how people use them. I used the standards from the IB, but added some other topics I think fit into this category (but not included by the IB).

The big ideas in system fundamentals

Systems in Organizations

A computer program or computer system is used by people who work in organizations. It is very helpful to understand how people, computers, and organizations work together.

Planning and system installation

• System planning
• Change management
• Legacy system
• Testing implementation
• Installation process
• Data migration
• Testing

User Focus

• User documentation
• User training

System Backup

• Data loss
• Preventing data loss

Software Deployment

• Managing releases and updates

System Design

Components of a computer system

• Hardware, software, peripheral, network, human resources
• Computers in a networked world
• Social and ethical issues in a networked world (also see ethics)

System Design and analysis

• Planning and stakeholder
• Getting requirements from stakeholders (see also design process)
• Gathering information for solutions (see also design process)
• Illustrate system requirements (see also design process)
• Prototypes (see also design process)
• Iteration (see also design process)
• Why end-users matter so much (see also design process)
• Social and ethical issues associated with the introduction of new IT systems (see also design process)

Human interaction with the system

• 1.2.12 Define the term usability. Level: 1
• 1.2.13 Identify a range of usability problems with commonly used digital devices. Level: 2
• 1.2.14 Identify methods that can be used to improve the accessibility of systems. Level: 2
• 1.2.15 Identify a range of usability problems that can occur in a system. Level: 2
• 1.2.16 Discuss the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of the interaction between humans and machines. Level: 3

Produce a plan, simulation or model.

Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognize and state briefly a distinguishing fact or feature.

Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.